Looking Forward
GMC President, Sir Graeme Catto
In 2008, the General Medical Council will embark on a programme of work designed to ensure that medical regulation reflects the needs of a modern society and changing healthcare environment.
We recognise that regulation is a dynamic process – it should not stand still – but equally we are determined to uphold our unchanging commitment to a regulatory system that puts patient safety at its heart.
2008 marks the GMC’s 150th anniversary, as well as being the 60th anniversary of the NHS. The NHS is becoming increasingly focused on prevention and ensuring that care is tailored to the personal needs of each patient.
We will be considering, through a programme of widespread engagement and consultation, what these and other changes mean for the future education and training of the profession.
In 2007, the GMC welcomed publication of the Health and Social Care Bill as a step towards implementation of the Government’s White Paper Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century.
The White Paper endorsed many of the GMC’s proposals for establishing an accountable and fair system of medical regulation that is independent of Government – as the dominant provider of healthcare in the UK - and independent of dominance by any single group.
Work to implement those proposals is already well underway. For example, later this year we will put in place a new Council which will be composed of equal numbers of lay and medical members, and will be reflective of those who receive and provide healthcare across the UK.
Medical regulation must be dynamic and adapt to the changing needs and expectations of society. This Business Plan sets out how we will do this in 2008.
Graeme Catto, President
GMC Chief Executive, Finlay Scott
Our Business Plan for 2008 sets out our firm commitment to ensuring that we have an independent and accountable system of medical regulation that commands the confidence and support of those receiving and providing healthcare.
Our key aims for 2008 collectively address the challenge of establishing and maintaining an integrated regulatory framework which keeps together the GMC’s core interlocking functions. In short, we believe the framework must be more than the sum of its parts.
This Plan continues our programme of fundamental reform. It includes:
- changes to our governance and constitution to enhance the GMC’s independence and accountability;
- introducing the civil standard of proof;
- preparing for the introduction of licences to practise and planning for the implementation of revalidation; and
- ensuring enhanced oversight and co-ordination of all stages of medical education.
Our Business Plan is challenging but achievable. It has been costed and is underpinned by a detailed set of operational actions and activities.
In line with our risk-based approach to regulation, we will ensure that resources are applied where they can be most effective and, in fulfilling our objectives, we will continue to improve our economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
We look forward to working constructively with our key interests across the four countries of the UK to ensure a regulatory system which is sensitive to local contexts and which meets the demands that a modern society places on it.
Finlay Scott, Chief Executive